Host! I told you to do a task! I didn't tell you to bbb.

Xiao Hanxing bid farewell to Master Liu the next day, while Mu Yunling stayed at the Liu Family Manor.

That day, Shen Run came to Liu Family Manor to find Liu Yunshu, only to find Mu Yunling sitting alone in the garden.

Shen Run slowed his pace and stepped forward, speaking gently, "Miss Mu, why are you here alone?"

Mu Yunling turned around upon hearing the voice, and upon seeing Shen Run, a glimmer of light instantly appeared in her eyes. She quickly stood up and bowed.

"Brother Shen, I came out for some fresh air."

Shen Run nodded, sat down on the stone bench beside her, and looked at her gently:

"When you first arrive in an unfamiliar place, it's natural to feel a bit awkward. The scenery in Shijiazhuang is quite nice, so it's good to take a stroll around."

"Yes, Brother Shen."

Mu Yunling's gaze involuntarily fell on Shen Run.

He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a tall and straight figure, and his gentle and considerate appearance made him exactly her ideal type.

The secret feelings in her heart quietly began to grow again.

After a moment of silence, she bit her lip and, as if gathering her courage, spoke:

"Brother Shen, I... I heard from the maids in the manor yesterday that you and Miss Liu have known each other since childhood, are childhood sweethearts, and have a very good relationship?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Run's eyes instantly softened with a gentle smile, his tone revealing obvious appreciation:

"Yes, Yun Shu and I grew up together, and it is my good fortune to be engaged to her."

When Liu Yunshu was mentioned, his words were full of pride and tenderness.

That was an honest truth that couldn't be hidden, and it made Mu Yunling's heart ache. Her fingers clenched even tighter, and her voice lowered slightly:

"Miss Liu is so outstanding, she truly deserves Brother Shen's treatment."

She lowered her eyes, concealing the disappointment in them.

He knew in his heart that there was a world of difference between him and Liu Yunshu.

Brother Shen's heart was never with her.

"Brother Shen, I... I want to go out for a walk. Maybe I'll remember something someday."

Upon hearing this, a hint of worry flashed in Shen Run's eyes, and his tone became even gentler:

"It's good that you want to go out and clear your head, but since your memory hasn't returned and you don't know martial arts, it's too dangerous for you to go alone. Why don't you wait until Yun Shu is free and have her go with you? That way, you'll have someone to look after you."

Mu Yunling's heart stirred slightly. If Liu Yunshu was accompanying them, would Brother Shen also come along?

Even though he can't see his own feelings, it would be good to be by his side all the time, even if it's just watching from afar.

She looked up, a glimmer of hopeful trepidation in her eyes: "Is it really possible? Won't it be too much trouble for Miss Liu?"

"It's alright. Yun Shu is gentle and kind-hearted, she will definitely agree."

Shen Run smiled gently, completely unaware of the deep-seated thoughts hidden in her eyes.

They assumed she genuinely wanted to use the trip to clear her head and regain her memories.

"Let's go, I'll take you to find Yun Shu. She should be practicing her sword at the training ground today."

Shen Run stood up, gently reaching out to help him up, his eyes filled with genuine concern.

Mu Yunling was overjoyed and quickly followed in his footsteps.

Her fingertips subtly tightened around the hem of her clothes, making her steps lighter.

Passing through the winding corridors, one can see Liu Yunshu returning to his sword in the distance.

"Yun Shu~"

Shen Run called out loudly, quickening his pace, a gentle smile instantly appearing in his eyes.

"Brother Shen, you've arrived."

Liu Yunshu looked at Shen Run with a smile, her voice softening slightly: "Why are you here so early today?"

Her gaze swept over Mu Yunling behind Shen Run, her smile unwavering, and her tone gentle: "Miss Mu has arrived as well."

Mu Yunling felt her cheeks flush slightly under her gaze and quickly bowed in greeting.

"Miss Liu, I... I want to go out for a walk, maybe it will remind me of some things from the past. Brother Shen said he would like you to come with me."

Her voice was soft and hesitant, tinged with a hint of fear that Liu Yunshu would refuse.

Liu Yunshu pondered for a moment, then smiled gently.

"That's fine. Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. It would be good to go out and travel around."

"Thank you so much, Miss Liu!" Mu Yunling's eyes lit up instantly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Liu Yunshu smiled and shook her head, her spirited demeanor tempered with gentleness: "No need to be so polite. Once we've packed our bags, we'll set off."

The afternoon sun filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the bluestone path.

After bidding farewell to Liu's parents, the three of them rode off in a randomly chosen direction.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xiao Hanxing clutched his shoulder, a trickle of crimson blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. His dark blue robe was soaked with cold sweat and clung tightly to his back.

"Damn it! They're using a tag-team approach! Let's have a one-on-one fight!"

The group of men in black were ruthless and skilled in close combat, taking turns launching attacks.

Even with his unparalleled "Cold Star Sword Technique," he couldn't withstand such relentless exertion. Now, his internal energy was in disarray, and he could barely lift his left arm.

He looked up at an inn not far away and noticed that the footsteps following him were becoming clearer.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he forced himself to gather his strength. His dark blue robes darted into the backyard of the inn like a fleeting shadow.

Just as they were about to enter the woodshed, they heard a voice from not far away, "He's here! He must have entered this inn!"

Xiao Hanxing felt a chill run down her spine, ignoring the sharp pain in her shoulder.

With a light touch of her toes on the corner of the wall, she slipped into a room as silently as a raccoon dog.

As Liu Yunshu was taking off her clothes and soaking in warm water, she heard a very soft sound of a window being pushed open outside.

Her eyes narrowed, and before she could react, a dark blue figure stumbled and fell into her bathtub.

Warm water suddenly splashed everywhere, filling the room with a misty atmosphere.

Liu Yunshu's eyes darkened, and she subconsciously raised her hand to retaliate, but she stopped abruptly when she saw the face of the person who came.

Xiao Hanxing was soaked to the bone, his dark blue robes clinging tightly to his disheveled figure.

He was clearly at his limit; after falling into the bathtub, he could only barely lift his head by supporting himself on his arms.

The sharpness in his eyes faded considerably, leaving only extreme weakness and astonishment, and his gaze met Liu Yunshu's.

His gaze then fell on her smooth shoulders and the shimmering light on the water's surface.

His cheeks flushed bright red instantly, and a metallic taste welled up in his throat, which he swallowed back down.

All that remained was a violent cough, which aggravated the wound on his shoulder, causing the veins on his forehead to bulge with pain.

"I'm so sorry!"

He tried to get up in a panic, but his internal energy was disordered and he was completely exhausted.

He had barely managed to prop himself up when he tumbled back into the water, splashing even more water.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, with only the clear, piercing sound of water droplets dripping from the hair.

Liu Yunshu's aura instantly turned cold, her gentle features were covered with frost, and her voice was frighteningly calm:

"Alliance Leader Xiao, trespassing into a women's bathhouse—is this the conduct expected of a martial arts alliance leader?"

Xiao Hanxing's Adam's apple bobbed, and just as he was about to speak, a metallic taste rose in his throat, and he coughed up another mouthful of blood, which splashed onto the water.

His face grew increasingly pale, yet he still forced a weak smile, his tone tinged with self-mockery:

"Miss Liu... I'm sorry, the situation is urgent, I need to borrow your place for now."

Before the words were finished, chaotic footsteps and shouts came from outside the window: "Search! Search carefully! Find him!"

Liu Yunshu's eyes darkened, and she casually picked up a fragrant pill and threw it into the water.

The incense balls dissolve instantly in water, releasing a rich, cool plum fragrance that spreads with the moisture.

The smell of blood and the disheveled atmosphere in the room were completely masked.

The fragrance had barely filled the room when a loud banging came from the door, accompanied by a man in black shouting, "Open the door! Looking for someone!"

A cold glint flashed in Liu Yunshu's eyes. She lightly brushed her fingertips across the water's surface, and a burst of internal energy shot out, abruptly pulling the shower curtain shut by the window.

Her voice instantly switched back to its usual gentle tone, carrying a hint of languid reproach from being startled:

"Who is making such a commotion outside? I am currently taking a bath and cannot receive guests."

The man in black outside clearly didn't believe him, and pounded on the door even harder, causing the door to creak under the weight.

"Enough talk! We're tracking down a wanted criminal, we're searching every room! If you don't open the door, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

"A wanted criminal?"

Liu Yunshu's tone was somewhat doubtful, but there was no sign of panic.

"This is an inn room. I am a lone traveler resting here. What crime have I committed? How can I face anyone after you all barging in like this?"

Her voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of a woman's shyness after being startled. The last syllable rose slightly, leaving the man in black outside the door speechless for a moment.

Hidden in the bathtub, Xiao Hanxing listened to her well-controlled tone and couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips into a weak smile.

This Liu Yunshu is more adaptable than he imagined.

Her gentle demeanor actually resembled that of a demure young lady; if one did not know her swordsmanship was formidable, one might have been completely fooled.

Just then, a woman's voice came from outside.

"Since it's a young lady bathing inside, would it be convenient for me to go in and inspect it? I'll just take a look and won't disturb you."

Although his voice was gentle, it carried a hint of unyielding firmness. As soon as he finished speaking, he prepared to push the door open and enter.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Liu Yunshu's eyes. She then glanced apologetically at Xiao Hanxing and, before he could react, pushed him into the water.

The warm pool water, carrying the fragrance of cold plum blossoms, rushed past Xiao Hanxing's nose, and he was suddenly pushed into the water.

Internal injuries combined with choking on water left his chest feeling so tight it felt like it was going to explode, and his vision was blurring.

Seeing that something was wrong, Liu Yunshu quickly sank into the water, grabbed his neck, and covered his lips with hers.

Just as Xiao Hanxing felt the suffocating sensation of choking on water, her lips were tightly covered by a pair of warm lips.

The breath that came over, mixed with the warmth of the pool water, barely relieved the tightness in his chest.